LANSING, Mich. — Multiple agents within the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) testified under oath that although illicit cannabis is being found in MRA-licensed facilities, they’re told to leave it, even when finding trash bags full of the illicit product that agents know is being combined with tested, legal product.

Viridis Laboratories uncovered this information through depositions with MRA officials as part of litigation tied to the MRA’s ill-advised recall and harassment aimed at Viridis.

“We’ve learned that the MRA has instructed agents not to seize it, even though leaving untested, illicit cannabis in licensed facilities poses a clear health and safety issue to consumers,” said Kevin Blair, attorney with Honigman LLP.

“Deposition testimony has already shown that it is the MRA’s political agenda and bias against Viridis — not health and safety — that is the driving force behind the MRA’s actions and the recall that created complete chaos in the industry,” said David Russell, attorney with Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.

MRA agents testified that they’ve been directed by executive director Andrew Brisbo and other agency leaders to photograph and document illicit cannabis when found at licensed facilities and then leave it there. Agents testified they don’t have the authority to seize it, though they can alert the Michigan State Police. However, agents couldn’t recall the last time they involved law enforcement with these types of investigations.

One MRA agent testified he was frustrated by the process and asked MRA leadership to at least provide tamper-proof evidence bags for the illicit cannabis. The agent said he was just told that they’re not allowed to seize it.

“At Viridis, we’ve dedicated our work to promoting the health and safety of patients and adultuse consumers and we’re extremely troubled by the MRA’s willful disregard for the well-being of Michigan consumers,” said Viridis CEO Greg Michaud. “We’re hopeful the information coming out about the MRA will lead to necessary reforms and additional oversight and transparency so the MRA can fulfill its duty to protect consumer safety and support Michigan’s growing cannabis industry.” #